Letter to the Editor
Thank you! Thank You! Thank You! The Sixth Annual Denim & Diamonds Dinner was phenomenal! As 350 guests and 100 plus volunteers gathered Saturday, February 3, 2007, at the Heart of Georgia Technical College Porter Center for the HGTC Foundation annual fundraiser, construction workers took only a momentary break on the erection of Louie Livingston Hall.
In 2006 alone, students from all six of our counties (Wilkinson, Laurens, Dodge, Bleckley, Wheeler and Telfair ) were directly assisted by Foundation funds. The funds raised by the Foundation assist the college with initiatives such as program equipment, the TOOLS program, the Student Emergency Fund, the Lending Library, the GOAL program, the Faculty Staff Development Grant, and several scholarships. These initiatives, that help so many students reach their potential, would not be available without the Foundation.
Denim & Diamonds could not have happened without the hard work of numerous businesses and individuals. First, a special thanks to the sponsors of the event. Diamond sponsors include Heart of Georgia Technical College, The Courier Herald, State Broadcasting, and JT Hanna. Gold sponsors were Hangers Cleaners, Blackshear Ferry Catering Co., Allgood Pest Solutions, and Alexander’s Office Center. Silver sponsors were Chic-fil-a, Buffalo’s Café, Coca-cola of Dublin, Barry Walker Nationwide Insurance, The Bradmark Company, Med 1st, NOW Magazine, Dublin Construction Co., Oconee EMC, Roche Farm & Garden, and Dublin Glass & Windows Co.
In addition to the sponsors, each year I am amazed at the outpouring of support by the volunteers who are willing to wait tables, sell tickets, pull trash duty, clean-up on Sunday…just to name a few. Volunteers, you are appreciated. The Foundation recognizes that the event could not be successful without your contribution.
Again, thanks to everyone who had a part in the success of the Heart of Georgia Technical College Foundation’s Sixth Annual Denim & Diamonds Dinner. Mark your calendar for February 2, 2008, for the Seventh Annual Denim & Diamonds Dinner.
Randall L. Peters
President
LOIC Students Receive Scholarships
Ten Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center students have received the Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center Technology Fee Scholarship from the Heart of Georgia Technical College Foundation for winter quarter.
Those receiving the award are Brandi Lockamy of Milan, Rosa Woodard of McRae, Amanda Tompkins of Alamo, Lisa Young of Helena, Nikki Woods of Eastman, Bridget Thomas of Hawkinsville, Nickole Brown of Eastman, Teresa Godsey of Glenwood, Amanda Lasher of McRae, and Candice Clark of McRae.
The Technology Fee Scholarship is awarded quarterly to students enrolled in a program of study at Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center (LOIC) of the Heart of Georgia Technical College. The scholarship is awarded to students who are in a good academic standing with the college. The scholarship is also based on financial need and the amount of funds available for the award.
The HGTC Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization. If you would like to make a donation to support the technology fee scholarship, please contact Laurie Wicker at 478-274-7878 or 478-274-7627, or visit the Foundation website at www.heartofgatech.edu.
The Technical College System of Georgia Air Conditioning State Consortium Meeting was recently held at Heart of Georgia Technical College. Darrell Howell of Georgia Power presented instructors attending the meeting with an update on Manual J. Load Calculations.
Technical College Provides a Strong Foundation
When Kenya Brown graduated from Dublin High School in 1994, he made the choice to attend college away from home, but it wasn’t until he returned home and enrolled at Heart of Georgia Technical College that Brown found his niche and began working towards an education in Information Technology.
After graduating from HGTC in 1999 with a diploma in Computer Information Systems, Brown went to work with a school system as a System Support Specialist. Through the years he has had the opportunity to work with electronic documentation and security systems in the technology field. Each of these opportunities have given Brown knowledge of different types of software programs.
Brown currently works with IBM in Desk Side Support and has worked as an adjunct instructor in the Computer Information Technology courses at HGTC. David Cooke, Business Technology Instructor at HGTC, says, “I never had the privilege to teach Kenya, but I have had the privilege to work with him. His work ethic and self motivation made him a model for my current students. Here was a person that took the education he received from HGTC and never stopped building on that. Today, he is one of the most computer-knowledgeable people I know in this area or the state for that matter.”
During the last few years, Brown completed his Associate, Bachelors and Masters Degree and is looking forward to beginning work on his Doctorate in Computer Information Management through Colorado Technical University.
Brown became fascinated with computers in 3rd grade and in 6th grade his parents bought his first system that he designed to work on his home TV. “Computers were so expensive back then and all I had was the system without the monitor. The computer also didn’t store my work, so I learned by recreating the programs,” says Brown.
Brown credits his time at HGTC with giving him the tools to succeed in his field and the confidence to continue his education, “My experience at Heart of Georgia Tech was a good start. The instructors made a big difference for me. Jacqueline Copenny, Karen Mountain, and Rickey Walker were very helpful. I would go to Mr. Walker after class and he would teach me about programming one on one.”
The Heart of Georgia Technical College New Connections to Work/Equity Program recently sponsored a program on Identity Theft Awareness. Pictured: The HGTC Non-Traditional Support Group and Single Parents Support Group enjoying an informative presentation by Chris Brooks of Prepaid Legal Services from Atlanta.
HGTC Offers CPR/First Aid and AED Training
The Community Training Center located in the Porter Center at Heart of Georgia Technical College is offering American Heart Association Courses for small businesses and industries. Courses include First Aid, CPR, and Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
Beverly Trevisol, Manager of the CTC, gives information about the classes, “The courses offered prepare a team in the workplace to respond to a cardiac emergency, certain medical emergencies and injuries in the first few minutes of incidence until professional help arrives. Programs are designed to raise the level of safety in the business.”
The Heartsaver CPR Course instructs students in CPR and relief of choking in adults, children, and infants. The use of barrier devices in performing rescue breaths with CPR is taught. The Heartsaver AED course teaches AED use, relief of choking in adults and children in addition to CPR.
The Heartsaver First Aid Course instructs lay rescuers in how to manage illness and injuries in the first few minutes until professional help arrives. This course includes general first aid, medical and injury emergencies. Optional to this course are CPR and AED training and environmental emergencies, such as management of snake bites. Heartsaver Pediatric First Aid is tailored to child care workers, teachers, foster care workers, youth organizations, and coaches. Topics include First Aid Basics, Medical and Injury Emergencies, Asthma Care, Environmental Emergencies, and as an optional CPR/AED Training.
Recently the AHA changed the guidelines for CPR based on the results of several years of research. The new ratio of compressions to breaths and the new “push hard and push fast” focus are just two points of improvement in the new courses.
A certification card, good for two years, is issued upon completion of any of the courses. All of the classes can be conducted on-site at the business or at HGTC, whichever meets the needs of the business.
According to the American Heart Association, effective bystander CPR, provided immediately after sudden cardiac arrest, can double a victim’s chance of survival. Death from sudden cardiac arrest is not inevitable. If more people knew CPR and how to use an AED, more lives could be saved.
Additional information on these classes can be obtained by contacting the Beverly Trevisol at 478-275-5148, or btrevisol@heartofgatech.edu.
Technical Education Gives College Student Jump Start
When Alex Kelly entered school at Georgia Southern University, he already had years of experience in his field of study. While a tenth grader at West Laurens High School, Kelly began taking computer classes at Heart of Georgia Technical College through the Dual Enrollment Program.
The classes Kelly took at HGTC prepared him for his current position as Computer Technician at GSU and gave him practical experience in his field. Kelly is currently in his fourth year at GSU studying Information Technology and works part-time in his field. “By the time I went to college, I had years of experience working on computers and paperwork. I know for a fact that my education through the Dual Enrollment Program at HGTC helped me get my current job,” says Kelly.
Kelly’s education at HGTC also gave him the chance to gain experience his field and decide if he wanted to pursue a career in computers, “ In my first class we learned the basics of how a computer works, what each component is and does, and some basic troubleshooting steps. By learning what the components of a computer do, we learned how to diagnose a problem and fix it. I use this knowledge every day in my job.”
After taking the initial class while still enrolled in high school, Kelly took some online courses through HGTC that have helped him in his programming courses at GSU. Kelly then took courses towards the Comp TIA A+ Certification, “These classes prepared me to take the A+ exam, but more importantly, in my opinion, they gave me a chance to do a lot of hands-on computer repair work. By doing hands-on work I gained experience in computer repair which leads to quick repair time because you know exactly how to do something and don’t have to waste time looking it up.”
With Kelly’s experience and education, his future looks bright to fulfill his career plans. He is looking forward to working full-time in Information Technology upon graduation.
Student’s Education Helps Him Overcome Loss
It wasn’t until David Floyd lost his arm that he decided to go back to school to help him get an education and skill that he could use to develop a career. A graduate of Southwest High School in Macon, Floyd immediately went to work and started a family when he finished high school.
Some of Floyd’s co-workers at Lithonia Lighting had attended Heart of Georgia Technical College and the convenience of school helped Floyd decide to attend HGTC. While there, Floyd studied Machine Tool Technology while continuing to work full-time. His experience prepared him for his current position in the Tooling Department, “Besides being one of the finest people I’ve ever know, Instructor David Hall is dedicated to his students and their future. He is aware of the skills required in the tooling industry and prepares his student’s accordingly,” says Floyd. He also enjoyed his experience at HGTC, “It was fantastic, easier than I thought it would be. I had been out of school for 17 years.”
At HGTC, part of the grading system involves an Ethics grade designed to help train students to be good employees once they graduate. Lithonia Lighting Human Resource Manager Matt Allred says, “David plays a key role in our tooling department by overseeing the tool crib that supports fabrication. He helps us make certain that we optimize uptime and keep our tools in good condition. He has participated in numerous Kaizen events, which is Japanese for “Continuous Improvement.” He was honored recently for perfect attendance in 2006.”
Floyd readily admits his education at HGTC made a difference in his life, “The most notable impact would be the $10,000 to $15,000 per year increase in pay. Most important is the move to Tool & Die to a skilled labor position that allows me to work at my own pace. Had I remained in production, with one arm, I believe the number of years I would be able to work and earn a living would be greatly reduced.”
Heart of Georgia Technical College celebrates Arbor Day
The 2007 Telfair County Forestry Queens planted an oak tree on the campus of the Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center to celebrate Arbor Day. The tree was donated by the Georgia Forestry Commission. Pictured (left to right) are: Ranger Guy Bland; Dr. Howard Abney; Miss Telfair County Forestry, Racheal Godfrey; Teen Miss Telfair County Forestry, Emerald Rae McGuoirk; Little Miss Telfair County Forestry, Allie Griffis; and Miss Telfair County Forestry Hospitality, Faith Hartley.
The Heart of Georgia Tech Prep Consortium held an Articulation Agreement Meeting at the Heart of Georgia Technical College Porter Center on February 15, 2007. Secondary teachers from Bleckley County High School, Dodge County High School, Dublin High School, East Laurens High School, Telfair County High School, West Laurens High School, Wheeler County High School, and Wilkinson County High School met with Heart of Georgia Tech post-secondary educators who teach in the same discipline. Approximately 80 people were in attendance.
The New Connections to Work Program of Heart of Georgia Technical College recently head a program, “Getting it Done with Just One: Single Parenting 101.” Participants from the WCPES/WCHS/DHR Youth After School Program Parent Involvement group attended. Pictured (l-r): Libby Lester; Dwan Davis, Wilkinson County Parent and Pre-K Coordinator; Janet Smith; and Demetrice Howell, Family Advocate.
Going Back to School Gave Graduate Education and Confidence
When Shere Courtenay wanted to start college at age 50, she had a decision to make, “I thought in two years I’ll be 52 years old. I can have a degree from Heart of Georgia Technical College and become a nurse, or I can choose not to go to college. Either way I’ll still be 52 years old. I decided I wanted to do something new, and it became the best thing I ever did.”
Courtenay had worked as a Business Manager for over 30 years before deciding to go to college, “I was terrified at first because it had been 33 years since I graduated from high school, but I was determined to succeed. It was scary, I was the oldest one in my classes, but I had a good time. The instructors responded very well to me and were so helpful.” She was very successful in the year and a half she attended HGTC. She earned honors including Class Treasurer, President’s List, member of the National Technical Honor Society, recipient of the Tools for Outstanding Occupational Leadership award and graduating top in her class.
Courtenay now works as a Licensed Practical Nurse at Dublinair Nursing Home. “I love what I do. I love the residents and the interaction I have with them. I feel like they are my children,” she says. She didn’t always want to be a nurse, but feels she has found her niche. While on duty, she serves 33 patients in age range from 58 to 98. She also deals with the families of her patients. “HGTC takes a holistic approach to treating the patients in that you learn to deal with the entire family. You begin to put yourself in the family’s position.” Courtenay was offered this position after working her clinical studies at Dublinair, even before she graduated or took her LPN exam.
Little did Courtenay know how much her education would mean to her in upcoming years. Within one year after graduating from HGTC, her husband passed away, “If I had not gone to nursing school, I don’t know what I would have done,” she says.
She has had a chance to give back to HGTC, too. Courtenay has worked in training student nurses for the last four years, “I want to show my appreciation to HGTC, and I want future nurses to get a taste of the real world of nursing.”
Courtenay says she gained much more than a career at HGTC, “It is such a wonderful place and the instructors are so helpful. My self-esteem and confidence just grew there. At first it was hard for me to speak in front of a group, but now I don’t even think about it. My first instructor asked us to write down what we hoped to gain and I put confidence and self-esteem. I know I gained these and so much more. I feel absolutely equipped for my job. If I can go back to school and succeed, anyone can. HGTC really changed my life.”
HGTC Students Place in District Competition
Phi Beta Lambda students at Heart of Georgia Technical College attended and placed in District Competition at Southwest Georgia Technical College in Thomasville on February 23. These students will be attending PBL State Competition in Atlanta April 13-15. Advisors for PBL are Belinda Gilbert and Beth Daniel.
Desktop Publishing
Yolanda Kratz & Angela Roland - 3rd place
Information Management
Jerica Ramsey – 1st place
Ashley Brue - 2nd place
Networking Concepts
Winston Bolen - 1st place
Sports Management & Marketing
Winston Bolen - 1st place
Visual Basic Programming
David Northrop - 1st place
Teresa Dean - 2nd place
Word Processing
Tamara Jackson - 3rd place
Accounting Analysis & Decision Making
Cynthia Griffin - 1st place
Business Communications
Jerica Ramsey – 1st place
Teresa Dean – 2nd place
Computer Applications
Dennis Sikes – 1st place
Computer Concepts
Angela Roland – 2nd place
Battle of the Chapters
Winston Bolen & Yolanda Kratz – 2nd place
PBL is a national organization for business technology and information technology students. PBL provides opportunities to develop vocational competencies for business occupations. PBL also promotes a sense of civic and personal responsibility. District, state, and national competitions are open to students in this organization. Phi Beta Lambda members are also involved in various community and charitable endeavors as well.
Dr. Randall Peters, HGTC president, commented, “These students exemplify the caliber of education and training that is on-going at Heart of Georgia Technical College. I, as well as the entire faculty and staff, congratulate them on their success.”
Pictured: Top Row (Left to right): Winston Bolen, Teresa Dean, Tamara Jackson, Ashley Brue, Jerica Ramsey, Mark Northrop. Bottom Row (Left to right): Sloan Sikes, Yolanda Kratz, Angela Roland, Cynthia Griffin.
Merchant & Citizens Bank establishes HGTC Foundation scholarship
The Merchant & Citizens Bank of McRae has partnered with the Heart of Georgia Technical College Foundation to provide a $1,000 scholarship for a Telfair County High School senior planning to attend Heart of Georgia Technical College. The first scholarship will be awarded in May.
The scholarship is established in memory of Chester Ryals, a life-long resident of Telfair County. As a graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology, with a degree in mechanical engineering, he was instrumental in the original 1930’s Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) construction projects of the lodge at the Little Ocmulgee State Park, as well as the bridge over the Ocmulgee River going in to Abbeville. During the Second World War and Korea Conflict, he served the nation as a naval officer.
Ryals was a registered pharmacist and worked for the family-owned Ryals Drug Store in McRae until it was sold in the 1960s. He is remembered most for his commitment to improving the quality of life for all Telfair County citizens by serving as the Mayor of McRae for 12 years during the 1970s and 1980s. In addition, he held numerous leadership positions in local organizations and boards including the Merchants and Citizens Bank, Telfair Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, and the McRae First Baptist Church.
The Chester Arthur Ryals, Jr./Merchant & Citizens Bank Scholarship will be awarded annually to a graduating senior from Telfair County High School who will attend Heart of Georgia Technical College after gradation.
“We are very pleased to partner with M&C Bank to offer a Telfair County High School graduate a scholarship opportunity in a technical program of study on either our Helena or Dublin campus,” said Laurie Wicker, executive director HGTC Foundation.
Telfair County High School seniors interested in applying for the scholarship should contact the TCHS guidance counselor or may access a scholarship application on-line at www.heartofgatech.edu and select the Foundation link. |
